Palm Oil-The newest cost to western convenience-Part 3

Don't Let Your Shampoo and French Fries Destroy Tropical Forests

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The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

Palm Oil deforestation

About the Petition

Global fast-food and packaged-goods companies use palm oil to make everything from french fries to cosmetics to shampoo. But palm oil is a major driver of deforestation and global warming. As tropical forests are cleared to make way for palm oil plantations, carbon is released into the atmosphere, driving global warming and shrinking habitats for endangered species, including orangutans. Tropical deforestation accounts for about 10 percent of the world's global-warming emissions.

But producing deforestation-free palm oil is entirely possible. In the last year, many companies pledged not to buy from palm oil suppliers linked to the loss of tropical forests. The rest of corporate America should also make a firm commitment to use only deforestation-free palm oil.

Tell the largest global companies that for the sake of our air, tropical forests, and endangered species, they must commit to deforestation-free palm oil.

For more information on palm oil, corporations, and climate change, read Union of Concerned Scientists’ blog post on the issue, “Out With Duh-nuts, In With DO-nuts: Two Major Fast Food Brands Tackle Deforestation,” and our report, Fries, Face Wash, Forests: Scoring America's Top Brands on Their Palm Oil Commitments.

To: CEOs of America’s Largest Fast-Food and Packaged-Goods Corporations

Your company uses palm oil in many of its products—it’s an ingredient that has been linked to widespread tropical deforestation and climate change. As tropical forests are cleared and often burned to make way for palm oil plantations, carbon is released into the atmosphere, driving global warming and shrinking habitats for endangered species.

Your company continues to lag behind many global brands that have already committed to not buy from palm oil suppliers linked to the loss of tropical forests and carbon-rich peat swamps.
There's absolutely no excuse to use palm oil that could be driving climate change and tropical deforestation.

I urge you to bring your company in line with other major global corporations by creating and implementing a policy to use only deforestation-free palm oil in your consumer products.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]